Por FilmOut San Diego

Friday, May 29, 6 p.m. – OPENING NIGHT

“Tab Hunter Confidential” — California premiere
2015, directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, U.S., 92 minutes

In the 1950s, Tab Hunter was No. 1 at the box office and on the music charts. He was Hollywood’s hottest star and America’s “boy next door” idol. Romantically linked to Natalie Wood, Debbie Reynolds and Sophia Loren, nothing could damage Tab Hunter’s career. Nothing, it seems, except that Tab Hunter is secretly gay. In the documentary, the real Tab Hunter for the first time shares his story as a happy, healthy survivor of the Hollywood rollercoaster. Appearances by Debbie Reynolds, Lainie Kazan, John Waters, Connie Stevens, Clint Eastwood, Robert Wagner, George Takei and a multitude of archival interviews.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=CKrhi2una2w

Con: “Bendick & The Monster”
2014, directed by Frank Mosvold, Norway, 10 minutes

In this animated short, a boy encounters a monster underneath his bed who dreams of being a cabaret singer. Bendik helps the monster follow his dreams, while the monster helps Bendik with his mother’s overbearing boyfriend. It’s a touching story of finding yourself and challenging preconceived expectations of identity.

Con: “Tom In America”
2014, directed by Flavio Alves, U.S./Brazil, 16 minutes

For 50 years, Michael (Oscar nominee Burt Young) and Betty (Oscar nominee Sally Kirkland) have been united by one guiding principle: no secrets. But when a provocative Tom of Finland doll triggers Michael’s long-buried desires, Betty discovers that secrets have been part of their life all along.

Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sponsored by SDGLN/SDPIX

11 a.m. “Best of LGBT Shorts”

Corto 1: “Safe Word”
2014, directed by Todd Lillethun, U.S., 16 minutes

A gay couple decides to spice up their relationship but find themselves in peril when fantasy and reality start to blur in this comedic thriller.

Corto 2: “Captive” — West Coast premiere
2015, directed by Michael Noonan, Australia, 6 minutes

A confused old man receives a disturbing leaflet in the mail and realizes that his name, his home – and the one he calls “soul mate” – are not what they appear to be.

Corto 3: “09:55 — 11:05, Ingrid Ekman, Bergsgatan 4B”
2014, directed by Cristine Berglund, Sophie Vukovic, Sweden, 15 minutes

As 67-year-old Ingrid retreats from the outside world to deal with cancer, a younger home-care employee named Frida knocks on her door and awakens feelings that Ingrid can’t shut out.

Corto 4: “Pipe Dream”
2015, directed by Yudho Aditya, U.S./Indonesia, 14 minutes

16-year-old resident nerd, Peter Epstein-Takahashi, worries that his penis is too small and struggles to make it bigger before his first BJ.

Corto 5: “Eden” —West Coast premiere
2014, directed by Fábio Freitas, Portugal, 12 minutes

“And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” – Genesis 2:8. In this contemporary portrayal, João and Pedro live in this idyllic garden. However what João wants the most is for Pedro to be happy and the only way he found to make that happen is to support him in his escape with Sara. On the other hand, Pedro learned how to love João and does not want to leave the garden. But one of them ate the forbidden fruit.

Corto 6: “An Afternoon” — West Coast premiere
2014, directed by Sóren Green, Denmark, 8 minutes

Mathias has decided that “today is the day” to tell Frederik that he is in love with him. But when the time comes, will he be ready to make the first move?

Corto 7: “Plunge” — West Coast Premiere
2015, directed by Kate Lefoe, Australia, 6 minutes

A romantic day trip is shrouded in mystery as the relationship of two young women is revealed.

Corto 8: “Off A Cliff”
2014, directed by Cédric Jouarie, Taiwan, 5 minutes

Jhongwei has something important to say to Damon, his boyfriend, but the time isn’t right. Then again, is it ever?Jhongwei has something important to say to Damon, his boyfriend, but the time isn’t right… Then again, is it ever?Jhongwei has something important to say to Damon, his boyfriend, but the time isn’t right… Then again, is it ever?

Corto 9: “Sex Date”
2014, directed by John Sobrack, U.S., 16 minutes

In a case of mistaken identity gone right, Randall, who is being pursued by the law, finds more than refuge when Kenton mistakes him for his hook-up.

1 p.m.

“How To Win At Checkers (Every Time)”
2015, directed by Josh Kim, Thailand/U.S./Indonesia, 80 minutes

Young Oat (Ingkarat Damrongsakkul) faces an uncertain future when his older, gay brother Ek (Thira Chutikul) must submit to Thailand’s annual military draft lottery. While the parents of Ek’s wealthy boyfriend Jai (Arthur Navarat) are able to maneuver their son out of the draw, Ek has no options. Unable to convince his brother to do whatever he can to change his fate, Oat takes matters into his own hands resulting in unexpected consequences. The film is set in the economic fringes of Bangkok and examines the joys and challenges of growing up in contemporary Thailand.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mxRWBisWZFE

Con: “Pepper”
2014, directed by Marc Cleary & Craig Robert Young, U.S., 18 minutes

When an experienced drag queen encounters a lost boy outside her club, Pepper is reminded of the importance of family with her own estranged son.

3 p.m. — FESTIVAL SPOTLIGHT

“Gameface” — California premiere
2014, directed by Michiel Thomas, U.S./Belgium, 99 minutes

This moving documentary shows the quest for self-realization of LGBT athletes and their acceptance in society. Following the parallel stories of athletes Fallon Fox (MMAs first transgender pro fighter) and Terrence Clemens (a rising gay college basketball player in Oklahoma) during their coming out process, “Game Face” sheds light on the obstacles LGBT athletes face throughout their career.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=SHkx9evsC-M

17:15

“BFFs”
2014, directed by Andrew Putschoegl, U.S., 90 minutes

One of the funniest films of the festival, BFFs Kat (Tara Karsian) and Samantha (Andrea Grano) have been gifted a weekend vacation to a couple’s retreat. The only problem…the single women are straight! Needing a vacation, they find themselves immersed in an intensive workshop with gay and straight couples fighting to save their relationships. In the process, the lines of friendship begin to blur as they are faced with asking themselves: Could there be something more than just Best Friends Forever? The film also stars television veteran actors, Richard Moll, Jenny O’Hara and Pat Carroll.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=LSNALNrTMiQ

Con: “Bachelorette”
2013, directed by Anna Linke, Germany, 15 minutes

While celebrating a friend’s bachelorette party, Stefanie shockingly surprises the entire group with whom she finds more intriguing.

7:30 p.m. – BOYS CENTERPIECE

“Paternity Leave” — West Coast premiere
2015, directed by Matt Riddlehoover, U.S., 90 minutes

Caught in a moment of passion on the eve of their four-year anniversary, Greg (Jacob York) soon begins feeling nauseated, fatigued, and moody and – most unfortunately – fat. At his wit’s end – his boyfriend Ken (Charlie David) insists he see a doctor who’s stumped and refers the couple to a specialist. To everyone’s amazement, Greg is pregnant! Shock, stress, and fear settle in, and Greg’s relationship gets put to the ultimate test in this delightfully funny rom-com. With Chris Salvatore.

Trailer Clip: youtube.com/watch?v=MDWrjEp1mIU

Con: “The Cream” — West Coast premiere
2014, directed by Jean-Marie Villeneuve, France, 8 minutes

Gilbert, a quirky young man, is out for a Sunday jog in the forest. When a muscular, athletic man passes him at tremendous speeds, Gilbert is left confused, curious and ultimately aroused by his secret.

Con: “You. Me. Bathroom. Sex. Now.” — West Coast Premiere
2015, directed by Francisco Lupini-Basagoiti, U.S./Spain/Venezuela, 17 minutes

When Antonio discovers his boyfriend of eight years is cheating on him, he decides to find solace amongst friends: an outrageous drag queen, a wisecracking older man, and one sexy stranger at the neighborhood dive bar. It’s a comedy about a man trying to forget about love, in all the wrong places.
22:00

“Seed Money: The Chuck Holmes Story” – West Coast premiere
2015, directed by Michael Stabile, U.S., 70 minutes

This documentary is a revealing look at Chuck Holmes, San Francisco Falcon Studio’s founder/pornographer turned philanthropist. Holmes helped shape and create gay identity in the years after Stonewall, and became a founder of gay rights advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT Victory Fund … only to find later in life that while his philanthropic money was welcome, he wasn’t. Appearances by John Waters, Jeff Stryker, Chi-Chi La Rue, Holly Woodlawn, Jake Shears, Zak Spears and John Rutherford. This film contains nudity and scenes of sexual situations

Con: “Hole” — California premiere
2015, directed by Tony Radevski, Australia, 5 minutes

Two men share an unlikely encounter at a bathroom gloryhole in this insightful animated short.

Con: “Midnight” — West Coast premiere
2015, directed by Ted Wilkinson, U.S., 22 minutes

Shane (Sean Paul Lockhart) and Aiden (Anderson Goncalves) are a couple who decide to try an open relationship. As one-on-one encounters turn into group orgies … will their experiment broaden their horizons, or lead to mistrust and paranoia?

Sunday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sponsored by San Diego Uptown News/Gay San Diego

11 a.m.

“WASP” — California premiere
2014, directed by Philippe Audi-Dor, United Kingdom/France/Lebanon/Switzerland, 72 minutes

Having left England for a romantic escapade in the south of France, Olivier (Simon Haycock) and James (Hugo Bolton) invite Caroline (Elly Condron) along at the last minute. The trio arrives in a little Provencal village, somewhat cut off from the world. Though everything seems calm between the pool, sunshine and a village visit, Olivier finds himself more and more intrigued by Caroline. A tension of sexual jealousy and possessiveness inevitably escalades between the three of them.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=bMV2SL4hmqs

Con: “Little Secrets” — California premiere
2014, directed by Remo Kaufmann, Germany, 20 minutes

While accompanying his girlfriend at a birthday party, Tim recognizes a male lover from years past. They try to hide ancient secrets, but things seem to spin out of control as the evening progresses in this dramatic short film.

1 p.m. – GIRLS CENTERPIECE

“In The Turn” — California premiere
2014, directed by Erica Tremblay, U.S., 91 minutes

The documentary follows Crystal, a 10-year-old transgender girl, as she navigates growing up in rural Canada. After being denied the right to join athletics due to her gender, Crystal serendipitously discovers the Vagine Regime, an international queer collective of roller derby players comprised of people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds and identities. The Vagine Regime not only accepts Crystal, but actively supports her journey. The film weaves Crystal’s story into the broader narrative of the evolution of roller derby from a niche sport into a social movement with strong roots in the LGBTQ community.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=ONcmU6pF2Fw

Con: “cONSensual” — West Coast premiere
2015, directed by Jaymee Carvajal, U.S., 1 minute

A “One Night Stand” (ONS) is used as a destigmatizing tool against the shame and guilt of exploring female sexuality in this stylized encounter that’s simply Flawles.

3 p.m. – INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT 

“Drown”
2015, directed by Dean Francis, Australia, 93 minutes

Sundrenched lifeguards, Sydney beaches, male competitiveness and jealousy frame this tense and gripping Australian drama. Surf lifesaving champion Len (Matt Levett) is a legend in the cloistered surf club until the arrival of younger, faster, fitter and openly gay Phil (Jack Matthews). Through the summer, Len’s enraged reaction to Phil begins to reveal his own confusion about his own sexuality climaxing in an intoxicated evening filled with jealousy, homophobic fear and unrequited lust. Can Len accept his identity, or will he only bury it? Warning: This film contains graphic depictions of homophobic violence.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=czB_EDA2rPg

Con: “Want It” — West Coast premiere
2015, directed by Lee Haven-Jones, United Kingdom, 11 minutes

When the owner of a luxurious home returns unexpectedly to find an intruder…the tables are turned, and the intruder finds himself naked and powerless.

5 p.m.

“Jess & James” — U.S. premiere
2015, directed by Santiago Giralt, Argentina, 90 minutes

In this sexually-charged, road-trip, coming-of-age tale, Jess (Martin Karich) and James (Nicolas Romeo) feel trapped in their lives. After meeting for a sexual encounter, the two young men set off on a spontaneous road trip across rural Argentina to reunite with Jess’ estranged brother. On their journey, they confront strange occurrences and engage in a ménage à trois affair that brings them closer. Their newly found affection grows, all while discovering a fresh vision of freedom and happiness. This film contains graphic depictions of sex.

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=EGFNLqmMhlA&feature=player_embedded

Con: “Ten Minutes Left” — U.S. premiere
2014, directed by Joris van den Berg, Netherlands, 7 minutes

Rodrigo is recently out and feeling a bit uncomfortable in a gay bar. As closing approaches, the music is switched off, house lights come on and Rodrigo starts to panic. He only has 10 minutes left to find his date!

7 p.m. – CLOSING NIGHT

“I Am Michael” — California premiere
2015, directed by Justin Kelly, U.S., 98 minutes

Based on a true story, the film depicts gay activist Michael Glatze (James Franco), the managing editor of popular queer San Francisco-based XY magazine as a proud gay man in a loving relationship with his partner Bennett (Zachary Quinto). After Glatze faces a health scare, he turns to Christianity and renounces his homosexuality, eventually becoming a Christian pastor and marrying Rebekah (Emma Roberts). Director Justin Kelly’s piercing exploration is as compelling and complex as Michael’s transformation. With Charlie Carver, Daryl Hannah and Leslie Ann Warren.

Trailer Clip: files.secureserver.net/0fuqEX08sRVnib

Con: “Tomorrow”
2014, directed by Leandro Tadashi, U.S., 11 minutes

New Year’s Eve 1999 finds college-bound Clark and Trevor concerned about the future of their friendship, and a request for Clark to be Trevor’s wingman ensures things will never be the same again.